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Sierra Club
released the results of water quality testing on the Fox River between Elgin
and Yorkville that show levels of pollution that exceed federal standards
for phosphorus 83% of the time. Based on their findings, Sierra Club leaders
called for new controls on nutrient pollution and continued local efforts to
improve water quality.
 "Our
tests clearly show that the Fox River is suffering from an overload of
nutrient pollution," said Eugene McArdle, coordinator of the Sierra Club,
Valley of the Fox Group's Water Sentinels Project. "If the Fox River is to
continue its recovery while population and development increase, pollution
controls must be updated."
Sierra
Club volunteers in Kane and Kendall counties have been monitoring the
quality of the Fox River and its tributaries since 1996. Their latest study
examined samples taken at 11 sites from Elgin to Yorkville from January 2001
to January 2002.
The
tests indicate that levels of phosphorus in the river regularly exceed the
amount considered healthy by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The
average sample collected was nearly 5 times the healthy level, and 83% of
all the samples collected exceeded this federal recommendation for
phosphorus. Phosphorus is a major component of fertilizers and of sewage,
and degrades water by fertilizing algae to the point where excessive algae
growth sucks oxygen out of the water that fish need to breathe.
Sierra
Club is calling for several actions to reduce pollution levels and restore
healthy conditions to the Fox River. Among the recommendations in the report
are:
Complete the Fox River Study, Prepare
and Implement Cleanup Plan
Sierra Club and Friends of the Fox River have teamed with wastewater
treatment plant operators, local governments, and other key stakeholders to
design and implement a monitoring study and to build a computer model to
answer key questions about pollution levels in the Fox and their sources and
best remedies. This is the first collaboration of its kind in Illinois, and
will cost approximately $2 million over 6 years to complete. These funds are
a wise investment in the Fox's future.
Move Toward Nutrient Standards for Illinois Rivers
There are no limits on nutrient discharges to the Fox, or other Illinois
rivers. Other states, including some here in the Midwest, have moved to
address these problems by determining and establishing a water quality
standard for phosphorus, in particular, and requiring controls for nutrients
where problems exist. Illinois should follow these examples as quickly as
possible.
Plan For Improvements in Wastewater Treatment
The operators of wastewater treatment plants are primarily responsible for
the progress we have seen in improving Fox River water quality to date. They
provide an essential public service with limited budgets. However, because
the volume of discharge to the Fox is steadily increasing, further
investments in wastewater treatment may well be necessary if we are to
protect the river. Alternative methods, such as land treatment of wastewater
and land application of treated wastewater, should be considered where
appropriate, and where proper safeguards are in place.
Manage Land to Reduce Runoff Pollution
Governments that own parks, golf courses, or other public properties along
the Fox and its tributaries can help by reducing the application of
fertilizers and pesticides near the water, and by using native vegetation to
improve habitat, reduce maintenance costs and filter runoff. Businesses with
property near the Fox River or other streams can also help by using native
vegetation in streamside buffer strips and drainage areas, reducing
fertilizer applications and maintenance costs. Public landowners should also
explore projects to restore natural stream conditions, such as adding stream
meanders and riparian wetlands and other beautification projects that will
help the stream cleanse itself and will filter runoff before it enters the
stream. Individuals living anywhere in the Fox watershed can consider native
vegetation for a beautiful, low-maintenance garden that will attract
wildlife, reduce runoff and keep pollution out of the water.
Plan for Smart, Managed Growth
Ultimately the major threat facing the Fox River watershed is poorly planned
development. Efforts that promote development that is compact, safe and
accessible for pedestrians and transit riders, and respectful of sensitive
natural areas and prime farmland will have a major positive impact on water
quality, in addition to other benefits. As development moves west in the
watershed, the establishment of greenways that provide as wide a buffer of
natural land as possible to Fox River tributaries will not only help protect
each stream itself, it will also protect the water quality of the Fox River
downstream.
"The problems facing the Fox River are very complex, and we all need to
participate in crafting solutions that will clean the water and have
widespread support," said Cynthia Skrukrud, Clean Water Advocate for the
Sierra Club, Illinois Chapter. "We are excited to participate in the Fox
River Study Group with local governments, water treatment plant operators,
and other stakeholders to find solutions we can all support."
"Our data shows that our Fox River is indeed at risk due to the rapid pace
of development in the Fox Valley," said Fran Caffee, Vice-Chair of the
Sierra Club, Valley of the Fox Group. "We all need to do our part if we want
its recovery to continue to the point where it is safe and healthy for
people and wildlife."
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